Yesteday we toured central Stavropol. The library was closed to Chaim Hertzel, dressed in a tie and suit, as a 'visiting dignitary from New York', couldn't see the old Torah which was stolen from the community and is now on display.
But when we went to look at the Shul, we were actually admitted inside.
It is beautiful. Obviously remodeleed, since the only thing that slightly made it look like a former was stained glass bashed out and replaced by garbage bags, but overall a very pretty interior.
Not so large though, so if we do get it back, then we will probably try to extend it if we can.
Pictures to follow, hopefully when we arrive in America.
Or hopefully before then.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Check it out now
www.youngavraham.com
Still not down as writers, rather as 'research consultants...'.
Still not down as writers, rather as 'research consultants...'.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Pesach in Stavropol
Well, we did it.
The first three days came and went by, and the good news is that Chayale didn't give birth on the road.
Altogether over the first two nights of Pesach we did 5 Sedarim. That is according to my calculations 20 cups of wine.
Shabbos was quiet. We basically slept the whole day through, and chased Yummy around the house trying to stop her from turniong on the computer and inserting the Living Torah in there.
Motzei Shabbos, everyone except Chayale and the baby trudged an hour and a half to the Jewish center for the first Seder.
35 people showed up for a nice quiet Seder. Highlights of the first Seder:
- Igor Vanskov, a kid of 7, singing the Mah Nishtana by himself in the sweetest little voice.
- At the meal, I ask Oleg Bogopolsky, a community member, to read the part of the 4 sons, since it wasn't said during Maggid. I planned on giving the whole Dvar Torah about the fifth son that the Rebbe speaks about. Oleg reads it (with his own comments), and finishes by talking about the fifth son! I was speechless.
- Misha Gorovenko standing up in the middle of the meal and announcing "Kavod HaRav, we are so happy to have you here!"
- Taking the kids to the door to greet Eliahu HaNavi with a candle. Three 6 year olds and a 3 year old. Cute as anything.
- Finding out after the mneal was over that several people snuck a bottle of booze around under the table and had a party of their own.
After the Seder (ended at 11:00), a detective came to pick us up and walk us through the dangerous streets home. Two spetsnas (Russian special forces) in a car followed us along. In the back seat of the car was an arsenal of weapons. We felt well-watched, even though it was Leil Shimurim. Naturally we felt even more protected thanks to Chaim Hertzel having his mace and a knife.
Just in case.
We got home safely but forgot the key, so the detective had to call our neighbors and get them to open the door at 12:00 AM. Then we went in and ate our real Seder, which lasted until 2. Chaim Hertzel was picked up toward the end by a community member who you would never want to meet in a dark alley. He was walked home.
Sunday - During the day, about 65 people showed up for the childrens seder, which went over very well. We played games with the kids to tell them the story, and did a whole seder.
At night, we did another seder. This time, it was a younger audience, so we sang lots of songs.
Highlights:
- Singing Halleli for one of the women in the community.
- Students opening the door for Elijah the prophet.
- Mistaking onions by Karpas for potatoes, and then not being able to speak after I ate a huge chunk.
Once again we were walked home by security. This time we had the key.
Monday we took everyone to "park pobedy", a mini-amusement park in the centre of the city. We went on a roller-coaster, watched Miriam go on mini-tanks, and walked all the way to the poorest-looking zoo I have ever seen.
The animals were so skinny you could see THROUGH them.
It was also funny. Here was the order of the animals cages.
- ducks.
- horses.
- cats.
- chickens.
- roosters.
- pigeons.
- LIONS. (what the heck?)
Anyway, we went home after that. Today we will go to Kosmos and Ramstore. I will write about them tomorrow.
The first three days came and went by, and the good news is that Chayale didn't give birth on the road.
Altogether over the first two nights of Pesach we did 5 Sedarim. That is according to my calculations 20 cups of wine.
Shabbos was quiet. We basically slept the whole day through, and chased Yummy around the house trying to stop her from turniong on the computer and inserting the Living Torah in there.
Motzei Shabbos, everyone except Chayale and the baby trudged an hour and a half to the Jewish center for the first Seder.
35 people showed up for a nice quiet Seder. Highlights of the first Seder:
- Igor Vanskov, a kid of 7, singing the Mah Nishtana by himself in the sweetest little voice.
- At the meal, I ask Oleg Bogopolsky, a community member, to read the part of the 4 sons, since it wasn't said during Maggid. I planned on giving the whole Dvar Torah about the fifth son that the Rebbe speaks about. Oleg reads it (with his own comments), and finishes by talking about the fifth son! I was speechless.
- Misha Gorovenko standing up in the middle of the meal and announcing "Kavod HaRav, we are so happy to have you here!"
- Taking the kids to the door to greet Eliahu HaNavi with a candle. Three 6 year olds and a 3 year old. Cute as anything.
- Finding out after the mneal was over that several people snuck a bottle of booze around under the table and had a party of their own.
After the Seder (ended at 11:00), a detective came to pick us up and walk us through the dangerous streets home. Two spetsnas (Russian special forces) in a car followed us along. In the back seat of the car was an arsenal of weapons. We felt well-watched, even though it was Leil Shimurim. Naturally we felt even more protected thanks to Chaim Hertzel having his mace and a knife.
Just in case.
We got home safely but forgot the key, so the detective had to call our neighbors and get them to open the door at 12:00 AM. Then we went in and ate our real Seder, which lasted until 2. Chaim Hertzel was picked up toward the end by a community member who you would never want to meet in a dark alley. He was walked home.
Sunday - During the day, about 65 people showed up for the childrens seder, which went over very well. We played games with the kids to tell them the story, and did a whole seder.
At night, we did another seder. This time, it was a younger audience, so we sang lots of songs.
Highlights:
- Singing Halleli for one of the women in the community.
- Students opening the door for Elijah the prophet.
- Mistaking onions by Karpas for potatoes, and then not being able to speak after I ate a huge chunk.
Once again we were walked home by security. This time we had the key.
Monday we took everyone to "park pobedy", a mini-amusement park in the centre of the city. We went on a roller-coaster, watched Miriam go on mini-tanks, and walked all the way to the poorest-looking zoo I have ever seen.
The animals were so skinny you could see THROUGH them.
It was also funny. Here was the order of the animals cages.
- ducks.
- horses.
- cats.
- chickens.
- roosters.
- pigeons.
- LIONS. (what the heck?)
Anyway, we went home after that. Today we will go to Kosmos and Ramstore. I will write about them tomorrow.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bedikas Chametz in Stavropol
Chaim Hertzel is in town, which means that the entire community is being seriously harrassed into buying Olympus FE340's.
Unfortunately, no one could afford it.
Chaim bought a special hat "for the first time in like 18 years" according to him. Note: Chaim is 20 years old. But it really is nice, he bought a hat SPECIAL FOR THIS SHLICHUS.
Think about this Ottawa groupies. Go now and buy yourself a hat. Or get a Bris. Your call.
Anyway, so we have been travelling around giving people Matza, talking to people, beating up arabs, etc. etc. and finally Bedikas Chametz night arrived.
We had the candle, the spoon, the feather, and Kanyeshna (Russian for of course) the camera.
Oh yeah, and the ten pieces of bread.
Before I go on, let me note that in Stavropol, barely anyone walks outside at night, unless of course they want to be stabbed in the back.
We did Bedikas Chametz at home, and then remembered that we don't know if we have to do it in the community centre.
So we called a Rabbi in Moscow. He told us that we gotta do it in the centre.
My driver had retired for the night, so we had to find a taxi.
Now remember we are in Russia, where at night the only lights in the streets are the occassional firefly and some headlights of approaching mafia cars.
Basically it was spooky.
Chaim of course had his knife, mace, and fists. I, naturally had my giant muscular muscles (which bulge) to protect him.
Anyway, we found a taxi, and went to the centre. It was dark and spooky. We put down the ten pieces, Chaim said the Bracha out loud, and then we got ready to go, but....
I FORGOT TO BRING MATCHES!
So we searched the whole centre for matches, but apparently all the smokers had stolen anything that had been there.
We were forced to go outside and find someone to light up the candle. We found someone but then as we get back in, me, the "moron that I am" according to Chaim, blew it out.
(Let the record stand that it was completely by mistake).
So we had to go out again. This time there was some gang down the block, so we tried to stay out of view in case they were here to beat our faces in.
Here is where the Rebbe (insert here words which come after saying 'Rebbe') comes in.
Some dude in army clothes walks by and we ask him to light our candle.
He lights it, and then hands us the lighter, saying "so your fire should never go out."
Pictures to come.
Unfortunately, no one could afford it.
Chaim bought a special hat "for the first time in like 18 years" according to him. Note: Chaim is 20 years old. But it really is nice, he bought a hat SPECIAL FOR THIS SHLICHUS.
Think about this Ottawa groupies. Go now and buy yourself a hat. Or get a Bris. Your call.
Anyway, so we have been travelling around giving people Matza, talking to people, beating up arabs, etc. etc. and finally Bedikas Chametz night arrived.
We had the candle, the spoon, the feather, and Kanyeshna (Russian for of course) the camera.
Oh yeah, and the ten pieces of bread.
Before I go on, let me note that in Stavropol, barely anyone walks outside at night, unless of course they want to be stabbed in the back.
We did Bedikas Chametz at home, and then remembered that we don't know if we have to do it in the community centre.
So we called a Rabbi in Moscow. He told us that we gotta do it in the centre.
My driver had retired for the night, so we had to find a taxi.
Now remember we are in Russia, where at night the only lights in the streets are the occassional firefly and some headlights of approaching mafia cars.
Basically it was spooky.
Chaim of course had his knife, mace, and fists. I, naturally had my giant muscular muscles (which bulge) to protect him.
Anyway, we found a taxi, and went to the centre. It was dark and spooky. We put down the ten pieces, Chaim said the Bracha out loud, and then we got ready to go, but....
I FORGOT TO BRING MATCHES!
So we searched the whole centre for matches, but apparently all the smokers had stolen anything that had been there.
We were forced to go outside and find someone to light up the candle. We found someone but then as we get back in, me, the "moron that I am" according to Chaim, blew it out.
(Let the record stand that it was completely by mistake).
So we had to go out again. This time there was some gang down the block, so we tried to stay out of view in case they were here to beat our faces in.
Here is where the Rebbe (insert here words which come after saying 'Rebbe') comes in.
Some dude in army clothes walks by and we ask him to light our candle.
He lights it, and then hands us the lighter, saying "so your fire should never go out."
Pictures to come.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Arrival
Well, Chaim Hertzel arrived, but is still sleeping.
A miniature Hashgacha Protis story happened yesterday. We needed to buy plywood to make the kitchen kosher, and searched the city. Wherever they had, there was only large planks with no possibility of cutting them. We offered payment to cut them for us, but no one was able to.
Finally we said, "Hashem help us". This was as we were driving to a furniture store where our driver thought "perhaps they sell some plywood."
Suddenly on the road in front of us, a large sign (of which I have the photo) which says, "plywood, left. We cut!"
Cool, huh?
A miniature Hashgacha Protis story happened yesterday. We needed to buy plywood to make the kitchen kosher, and searched the city. Wherever they had, there was only large planks with no possibility of cutting them. We offered payment to cut them for us, but no one was able to.
Finally we said, "Hashem help us". This was as we were driving to a furniture store where our driver thought "perhaps they sell some plywood."
Suddenly on the road in front of us, a large sign (of which I have the photo) which says, "plywood, left. We cut!"
Cool, huh?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Lack of posting
Pesach preparations are crazy, I barely have enough time to post, but some quick updates.
First anti-Semitic experience: someone followed me around, telling people I was a "zhid". I eventually went over to a street vendor I know, who threatened the dude, who obviously ran off. Interstingly, he was an older man. Also, he actually believed a swastika was "Russian." I told him to read his history how many Russians died over that.
In the world of Hashgacha Protis: I am delivering presents of Shmura Matza to Gvirim here. One gvir, head of the medicine centre, I got in the elevator with my two gifts (one for his daughter, head gyneacologist), but forgot which floor he was on (of 10). The lift stops on the second floor, and guess who walks in? his daughter. I gave her the Matza, and then she arranged an immediate meeting where I gave him the Matza.
We have had the hardest time trying to find a place for Chaim Hertzel (coming in over Pesach) to sleep. But finally someone offered his house, where he has 2 extra rooms. The guy has no money, but is the sweetest person on earth.
STARS is happening! 5 people have signed up for this amazing program. I'm told that usually it takes like 4 years to find people ready. Boruch Hashem more people are thinking about it. It's a program for students 17-28 years old. They come to two classes a week, and earn up to 120 bucks a month, plus events in Moscow and Israel. Cool, huh? only Rabbis can organize it.
We got security to walk us home after the Sedarim. 2 huge men with guns. Cool, huh?
First seder: 8:30 PM starts. Second: 7:00 starts. Of course by both we come home and start from the beginning again. Should be fun.
Sunday was perhaps the best "voskressenia school" day ever. We made a play for the kids, telling them the story of Pesach. Malky was Pharaoh (all she said was Nyet and Idi - go). Chayale the narrator (and by the second plague, a frog). And I of course was Moshe. We did all the plagues, the kids loved it, so did the parents. Then they followed me into the next room where we got stuck with Pharaoh chasing us and two blue blankets representing the red sea in front of us. But we davenned to Hashem and miraculously and with the help of two mothers, the sea parted, and everyone got to go to their seats, make a bracha, and eat lunch (phew). Then everyone made Kaaros for this coming Sunday school. Bummer that our camera had no batteries.
We fundraised locally 120 bucks. Not bad for a start. Really impressive when you consider we don't yet know any of the Gvirim here.
First anti-Semitic experience: someone followed me around, telling people I was a "zhid". I eventually went over to a street vendor I know, who threatened the dude, who obviously ran off. Interstingly, he was an older man. Also, he actually believed a swastika was "Russian." I told him to read his history how many Russians died over that.
In the world of Hashgacha Protis: I am delivering presents of Shmura Matza to Gvirim here. One gvir, head of the medicine centre, I got in the elevator with my two gifts (one for his daughter, head gyneacologist), but forgot which floor he was on (of 10). The lift stops on the second floor, and guess who walks in? his daughter. I gave her the Matza, and then she arranged an immediate meeting where I gave him the Matza.
We have had the hardest time trying to find a place for Chaim Hertzel (coming in over Pesach) to sleep. But finally someone offered his house, where he has 2 extra rooms. The guy has no money, but is the sweetest person on earth.
STARS is happening! 5 people have signed up for this amazing program. I'm told that usually it takes like 4 years to find people ready. Boruch Hashem more people are thinking about it. It's a program for students 17-28 years old. They come to two classes a week, and earn up to 120 bucks a month, plus events in Moscow and Israel. Cool, huh? only Rabbis can organize it.
We got security to walk us home after the Sedarim. 2 huge men with guns. Cool, huh?
First seder: 8:30 PM starts. Second: 7:00 starts. Of course by both we come home and start from the beginning again. Should be fun.
Sunday was perhaps the best "voskressenia school" day ever. We made a play for the kids, telling them the story of Pesach. Malky was Pharaoh (all she said was Nyet and Idi - go). Chayale the narrator (and by the second plague, a frog). And I of course was Moshe. We did all the plagues, the kids loved it, so did the parents. Then they followed me into the next room where we got stuck with Pharaoh chasing us and two blue blankets representing the red sea in front of us. But we davenned to Hashem and miraculously and with the help of two mothers, the sea parted, and everyone got to go to their seats, make a bracha, and eat lunch (phew). Then everyone made Kaaros for this coming Sunday school. Bummer that our camera had no batteries.
We fundraised locally 120 bucks. Not bad for a start. Really impressive when you consider we don't yet know any of the Gvirim here.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Beautiful picture
Our future stock picture in our full color magazine. We allow anybody to use it for their brochures and fundraising. :)
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Yoshkas witnesses
I don't understand what they are thinking.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
Je-hova's witnesses in Russia
I don't understand what they are thinking.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Programs, programs
We are trying to start classes, which Moscow is very good at helping with.
There is a terrific program called STARS, in which students come to 2 classes on Torah a week, and receive up to 100 bucks a month. Plus they get the opportunity for trips to Moscow, Israel, meetings with other STARS groups in the area, and stuff like that.
Also I want to start a class on Jewish Prayer, to get the community ready a little for Davening. When p[eople realize why, what, and the depth of each prayer, perhaps they will help get a Minyan going, at least on Shabbos. Another idea is to put together a CD of songs we will sing, and give it to them so they can learn the songs before we start prayer services.
Another class I want to start is on Kashrus, Chayale is teaching 'the kosher kitchen', but I'm working on getting kashrus started, explain a lot of basics to the community.
And finally, Yisroel Bernath has classes on 'Judaism and love' which is a hit everywhere in the world.
Other programs for now, include: organizing a singles Shabbaton together with the Rabbis of Southern Russia (there are so many Jewish singles looking for Shidduchim), perhaps starting a soup kitchen for poor people here, and of course, finding a sponsor to make the kitchen permanently kosher.
There is a terrific program called STARS, in which students come to 2 classes on Torah a week, and receive up to 100 bucks a month. Plus they get the opportunity for trips to Moscow, Israel, meetings with other STARS groups in the area, and stuff like that.
Also I want to start a class on Jewish Prayer, to get the community ready a little for Davening. When p[eople realize why, what, and the depth of each prayer, perhaps they will help get a Minyan going, at least on Shabbos. Another idea is to put together a CD of songs we will sing, and give it to them so they can learn the songs before we start prayer services.
Another class I want to start is on Kashrus, Chayale is teaching 'the kosher kitchen', but I'm working on getting kashrus started, explain a lot of basics to the community.
And finally, Yisroel Bernath has classes on 'Judaism and love' which is a hit everywhere in the world.
Other programs for now, include: organizing a singles Shabbaton together with the Rabbis of Southern Russia (there are so many Jewish singles looking for Shidduchim), perhaps starting a soup kitchen for poor people here, and of course, finding a sponsor to make the kitchen permanently kosher.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Meeting of G-dly men
This morning in the Jewish centre a bunch of priests, Mullahs and one Rabbi met to do the program called MARS, which is basically a religious unity program. 20 people showed and spoke about a whole bunch of stuff, none of which the Rabbi understood.
So instead he sat in the hot room for THREE WHOLE HOURS pretendiong to agree with all the Russian that was spoken, and doing alot of doodling.
He also sent a few accomplishing text messages to his wife, in which he found out the valuable information that Miriam made a giant poop at 11:30 (let the record stand).
Finally they brought out food, and the Rabbi got to meet other members of the deity. There was priest with a long, grey beard who has a very cheery outlook, and they spoke alot, and there was a Ukrainian missionary who spoke English.
Everyone was fascinated by the Rabbi, and took pictures with him, some asking straight out, other trying to do so unobtrusively by pretending to take pictures of objects such as a dirty vase, and then clearing their throat and "missing", instead getting a full-face photo of the Rabbi's nose.
It was kind of fun (the eating part).
Hopefully next time I will understand what they spoke about.
So instead he sat in the hot room for THREE WHOLE HOURS pretendiong to agree with all the Russian that was spoken, and doing alot of doodling.
He also sent a few accomplishing text messages to his wife, in which he found out the valuable information that Miriam made a giant poop at 11:30 (let the record stand).
Finally they brought out food, and the Rabbi got to meet other members of the deity. There was priest with a long, grey beard who has a very cheery outlook, and they spoke alot, and there was a Ukrainian missionary who spoke English.
Everyone was fascinated by the Rabbi, and took pictures with him, some asking straight out, other trying to do so unobtrusively by pretending to take pictures of objects such as a dirty vase, and then clearing their throat and "missing", instead getting a full-face photo of the Rabbi's nose.
It was kind of fun (the eating part).
Hopefully next time I will understand what they spoke about.
Pesach class
Yesterday Chayale spent the entire morning on the phone with our secretary working on perfecting her class in Russian.
Yes, she did her first class on "the kosher kitchen".
6 women came, and I happened to be in the house when they arrived, and can PERSONALLY ATTEST to seeing one of the women give Chayale a big hug upon entering.
While I watched Miriam in the next room (or tried to watch... actually what I did was sit her in front of a video and try to see how many chocolate balls I can stuff into her mouth), Chayale had given each of the women a plate. She then taught them all about the seder plate.
They made Charoses by chopping up walnuts and apples and mixing them with wine, then they boiled eggs, followed by roasting chicken shankbone (I always wanted to write that word), after which they peeled and cut maror and checked it for bugs, and finally washed and checked lettuce.
All the while Chayale explained the mystical interepetations, and other cool Jewish stuff.
Then Chayale told them to take it home, but they refused and instead ate it all in one festive meal at our home. One woman even cried when she ate the Maror.
They spoke alot, and planned the next class, for this coming Wednesday night, where they will bake something else that has to do with the Seder.
I personally suggested making a model Matza bakery, but Chayale vetoed my idea, saying "maybe next year."
When everyone left, Chayale couldn't understand why Miriam was on such a sugar high.
Yes, she did her first class on "the kosher kitchen".
6 women came, and I happened to be in the house when they arrived, and can PERSONALLY ATTEST to seeing one of the women give Chayale a big hug upon entering.
While I watched Miriam in the next room (or tried to watch... actually what I did was sit her in front of a video and try to see how many chocolate balls I can stuff into her mouth), Chayale had given each of the women a plate. She then taught them all about the seder plate.
They made Charoses by chopping up walnuts and apples and mixing them with wine, then they boiled eggs, followed by roasting chicken shankbone (I always wanted to write that word), after which they peeled and cut maror and checked it for bugs, and finally washed and checked lettuce.
All the while Chayale explained the mystical interepetations, and other cool Jewish stuff.
Then Chayale told them to take it home, but they refused and instead ate it all in one festive meal at our home. One woman even cried when she ate the Maror.
They spoke alot, and planned the next class, for this coming Wednesday night, where they will bake something else that has to do with the Seder.
I personally suggested making a model Matza bakery, but Chayale vetoed my idea, saying "maybe next year."
When everyone left, Chayale couldn't understand why Miriam was on such a sugar high.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Birthday party
Yesterday I received a phone call from one of the Gvirim in the community (part of a large family of Mountain Jews) who invited us to his daughters 16th birthday party. He arranged for his driver to pick us up.
We arrived at their cafe to find out that only his (giant) family had been invited, along with several non-Jewish friends, and of course, us.
It was just what we needed. We ate, made Lechaims and speeches, and discussed making his cafe kosher eventually.
One of the boys asked me to teach him some Torah. I got really excited, until I found out he's from Pyatigorsk, 3 hours from here. So iy"h every time he comes to town, we will learn together.
It was a fun night, and a reminder of who we are and what we are doing here.
We arrived at their cafe to find out that only his (giant) family had been invited, along with several non-Jewish friends, and of course, us.
It was just what we needed. We ate, made Lechaims and speeches, and discussed making his cafe kosher eventually.
One of the boys asked me to teach him some Torah. I got really excited, until I found out he's from Pyatigorsk, 3 hours from here. So iy"h every time he comes to town, we will learn together.
It was a fun night, and a reminder of who we are and what we are doing here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Quick post
To say hi, and thank you to all the people who have called.
I'm getting a little burned out, need to get my battery recharged.
I'm getting a little burned out, need to get my battery recharged.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yaakov Zimmel
My new nephew: Yaakov Zimmel Hershcovich.
For pictures, see Benny's blog. running84.blogspot.com
I am happy.
Last night, an American called me, and I found out that 2 Americans plus one Canadian live here as well. They also teach English. And apparently a group of American Mormons work here too.
Today I met one of the Americans, and we had a nice chat. He offered to teach me Russian!
I hope to meet them all. Also, I met with the head of hockey here, and offered my help, as well as started work on organizing some roller-hockey.
I am happy.
For pictures, see Benny's blog. running84.blogspot.com
I am happy.
Last night, an American called me, and I found out that 2 Americans plus one Canadian live here as well. They also teach English. And apparently a group of American Mormons work here too.
Today I met one of the Americans, and we had a nice chat. He offered to teach me Russian!
I hope to meet them all. Also, I met with the head of hockey here, and offered my help, as well as started work on organizing some roller-hockey.
I am happy.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Kiddush Hashem
I have yet to scan the article, but an interview I had a while ago finally made it into the newspaper. The headline? "when Moshiach will come..."
The article goes through our plans here, what happened in Ivanovo, and what we think of Stavropol. All in all, a nice kiddush Hashem.
Another article about Purim made it into the papers, where it told the story, and what the Jewish community has done today. One interesting note is that in their historical summary, they mentioned that the reason we eat Hamantashen is because prior to hanging Haman, the Jews cut off his ears.
And you would thinik circumcision would be enough. :)
The article goes through our plans here, what happened in Ivanovo, and what we think of Stavropol. All in all, a nice kiddush Hashem.
Another article about Purim made it into the papers, where it told the story, and what the Jewish community has done today. One interesting note is that in their historical summary, they mentioned that the reason we eat Hamantashen is because prior to hanging Haman, the Jews cut off his ears.
And you would thinik circumcision would be enough. :)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
So the last post was bleary
Which is why I am writing a new one.
More interesting meetings:
On Shabbos I walk 45 minutes each way in my hat and kapote, and things interesting always happen. This past shabbos I hear a guy speaking Hebrew on a cell phone.
So I say Shabbat Shalom.
To make a long story short, he was a Palestinian. Not only that, he is from Sydney, and speaks fluent English. Surprisingly, he was nice, we had an interesting conversation. After Shabbos, he called me to say that if I ever need help, I can call him. Also, he was happy to meet me. He's here for only six months as a student. Interesting, huh?
Two minutes later I met an Israeli who moved here.
Another meeting: the governors assistant in charge of religious affairs. Purim day this busy guy came over to say hi. I assumed it was just to say hi, and spoke warmly with him for about abn hour. Only after I left did I find out that I was supposed to ask him if he can help us get the shul back. That's why he came. Oh well, next time. I'll have my secretary try and arrange a second meeting with him.
Tuesday: I meet a pastor who is excited to meet me. He came to the centre to say hi. He's part of an organization of pastors, minmisters, mullahs etc. that meet and talk peace. They want to make their next meeting in the Jewish centre.
Thursday last week: a woman wants me to Barmitzvah her son. Date of entry into Jewish manhood? third day of Pesach.
Shabbos: on the way home from Centre, I meet a Russian boy. We have a nice conversation - he is an author. I told him one day he will be famous. He told me to remember his name. I told him to remember mine when he's famous. ;)
A day in the life of a very religious looking Jew in Russia. :)
More interesting meetings:
On Shabbos I walk 45 minutes each way in my hat and kapote, and things interesting always happen. This past shabbos I hear a guy speaking Hebrew on a cell phone.
So I say Shabbat Shalom.
To make a long story short, he was a Palestinian. Not only that, he is from Sydney, and speaks fluent English. Surprisingly, he was nice, we had an interesting conversation. After Shabbos, he called me to say that if I ever need help, I can call him. Also, he was happy to meet me. He's here for only six months as a student. Interesting, huh?
Two minutes later I met an Israeli who moved here.
Another meeting: the governors assistant in charge of religious affairs. Purim day this busy guy came over to say hi. I assumed it was just to say hi, and spoke warmly with him for about abn hour. Only after I left did I find out that I was supposed to ask him if he can help us get the shul back. That's why he came. Oh well, next time. I'll have my secretary try and arrange a second meeting with him.
Tuesday: I meet a pastor who is excited to meet me. He came to the centre to say hi. He's part of an organization of pastors, minmisters, mullahs etc. that meet and talk peace. They want to make their next meeting in the Jewish centre.
Thursday last week: a woman wants me to Barmitzvah her son. Date of entry into Jewish manhood? third day of Pesach.
Shabbos: on the way home from Centre, I meet a Russian boy. We have a nice conversation - he is an author. I told him one day he will be famous. He told me to remember his name. I told him to remember mine when he's famous. ;)
A day in the life of a very religious looking Jew in Russia. :)
The political scene
I suppose now is the right time to explain the community situation, especially after recent occurences.
This community is split. From what I understand, about 5 years ago, a woman who led the community passed away, leaving 2 people in charge. Yefim, the president of the community, and Natasha, a strong woman who ran Chesed and Sachnut. They had good working relationship which lasted about a year.
Then Yefim started living with a Jewish woman named Yanna, and apparently she felt he wasn't getting enough Kovod. She started making Natasha's life miserable.
People began to get disgusted with the community, and many left, vowing never to return to the Jewish centre (to this day they won't come). A committee was started of people who want to overthrow Yefim and put up a new Rosh Hakahal.
Yefim himself is a sweet guy, who wants to learn Torah, and add Yiddishkeit. He is dedicated to the community, and wants things to improve. Yanna, on the other hand (the woman he lives with), is, I'm not sure how to put it nicely... She is protective of her man, and feels anything is a threat to him. She respects nobody, and hates Yiddishkeit. She orders him around, and laughs at him in front of other people.
Yanna is a very loud woman, and after a year, Natasha took the Chesed and Sachnut, and Sunday school, and left. I don't think Yefim was too happy about that, but the community more or less stood behind Natasha, because the people backing Yefim were mean to almost everyone.
When we arrived here the heat had died down, but was simmering. We were not given a warm welcome (again, I assume it was because of Yanna, who despises us, though we have never done anything to wrong her).
We asked for help to find apartments, and also requested an office, but while they made the occassional phone call, it would take us two weeks to find an apartment, and 2 months to settle into a normal one, plus a month to get a tiny office in the back of the center, followed by another month of waiting for a normal office to put a secretary into.
In short, we were not warmly welcomed, and every time they spoke to us, they demanded help, money or things immediately. When we asked them to help us out (for example, when we told them that Rabbi Lazar told us we need to write a letter to our Minister about the Shul), it took at least a month to receive an answer, if we received one at all.
The several meetings we had were not constuctive, but rather were "Rabbi-bashing" moments, where they (mainly Yanna) would shout at us for hiring non-Jewish secretary and housekeeper, making Shabbos meals in our house, etc.
Meanwhile, Natasha welcomed us with open arms. She arranged that we should meet people, offered her help (and has been there for us when we needed her help), and shows up to our classes and programs.
To illustrate an example: On our first month here we tried to organize a womens club, and asked Yefim to call women and invite them, being that we don't know many. We also made our calls, but when the day came, not only did no women show up, but even his secretary, and Yanna were no-shows. On the other hand, Natasha came over to us with a list of 12 women who want Chayale to start teaching them a class on "kosher kitchen."
Purim was extra hard for this very reason. We decided that for the first time in several years, we want Purim to be done the entire community together. Yefims group (which today is about 10% of the community) did everything they could to stop it, but Boruch Hashem it worked out.
After several small incidents, I got the feeling that Yefim feels threatened (I was asked where I got my list of Jews, from Natasha?), and decided to call a meeting.
I spoke to my Mashpia about the situation and he thought it was a good idea. First of all, we wanted to explain why we go to the Sachnut bichlal (because we are here for every Jew), and to let them know our goals and explain that we are not a threat, rather it'll be better for everyone. Also, we wanted to work out Pesach.
I'd also spoken to Eli krivchevski (president-Rabbi relations guy in Moscow), who correctly told me that Boruch Hashem we are in a good scenario. Only 10% of the community backs our Rosh Hakahal, who himself is a nice guy.
Anyway, we prepared two days for the meeting, working it out that it should be easiest for everyone to swallow, and we were sure they wouldn't have a problem, since they want to work together (or so it seems).
How wrong we were. At the meeting, while Yefim and Rosa listened, Yanna was downright rude, telling us to return to Canada... So we finally asked if they think we can work together, explaining that our standards are run by Hashem, and if we are going to raise and bring in 10,000 dollars for Pesach (compared to the 1000 they can raise, and that includes the Sachnut plus fundraising), then it should be done kosher, and after Shabbos.
Amidst Yanna's derogatory comments, Yefim and Rosa couldn't answer. So we left, assuming that this is how it is:
Before we came, they wanted a Rabbi who can bring more money to the community, and take it further. Yefim was probably excited about the Yiddishkeit aspect, but he is a weak character and answers to a board, of which Yanna is a loud voice (incidentally I am head of this board).
But once we arrived they felt threatened somehow, and instead of taking us to meet people, organizing classes etc. they just had demands.
Result: now while we will continue to "work" with them, we are shluchim, who represent Yiddishkeit, 90% of the community is excited that we are here, and since we are raising the money, we will do things our way. We would love to work together weith them, but cannot if they don't respect our ways and understand why we are here.
People have asked what it's like, working in Russia as a Shliach. This is the downside - the political stuff. Of course I think that's the downside everywhere in the world. But it's especially tough when you have no one nearby you can speak to.
This community is split. From what I understand, about 5 years ago, a woman who led the community passed away, leaving 2 people in charge. Yefim, the president of the community, and Natasha, a strong woman who ran Chesed and Sachnut. They had good working relationship which lasted about a year.
Then Yefim started living with a Jewish woman named Yanna, and apparently she felt he wasn't getting enough Kovod. She started making Natasha's life miserable.
People began to get disgusted with the community, and many left, vowing never to return to the Jewish centre (to this day they won't come). A committee was started of people who want to overthrow Yefim and put up a new Rosh Hakahal.
Yefim himself is a sweet guy, who wants to learn Torah, and add Yiddishkeit. He is dedicated to the community, and wants things to improve. Yanna, on the other hand (the woman he lives with), is, I'm not sure how to put it nicely... She is protective of her man, and feels anything is a threat to him. She respects nobody, and hates Yiddishkeit. She orders him around, and laughs at him in front of other people.
Yanna is a very loud woman, and after a year, Natasha took the Chesed and Sachnut, and Sunday school, and left. I don't think Yefim was too happy about that, but the community more or less stood behind Natasha, because the people backing Yefim were mean to almost everyone.
When we arrived here the heat had died down, but was simmering. We were not given a warm welcome (again, I assume it was because of Yanna, who despises us, though we have never done anything to wrong her).
We asked for help to find apartments, and also requested an office, but while they made the occassional phone call, it would take us two weeks to find an apartment, and 2 months to settle into a normal one, plus a month to get a tiny office in the back of the center, followed by another month of waiting for a normal office to put a secretary into.
In short, we were not warmly welcomed, and every time they spoke to us, they demanded help, money or things immediately. When we asked them to help us out (for example, when we told them that Rabbi Lazar told us we need to write a letter to our Minister about the Shul), it took at least a month to receive an answer, if we received one at all.
The several meetings we had were not constuctive, but rather were "Rabbi-bashing" moments, where they (mainly Yanna) would shout at us for hiring non-Jewish secretary and housekeeper, making Shabbos meals in our house, etc.
Meanwhile, Natasha welcomed us with open arms. She arranged that we should meet people, offered her help (and has been there for us when we needed her help), and shows up to our classes and programs.
To illustrate an example: On our first month here we tried to organize a womens club, and asked Yefim to call women and invite them, being that we don't know many. We also made our calls, but when the day came, not only did no women show up, but even his secretary, and Yanna were no-shows. On the other hand, Natasha came over to us with a list of 12 women who want Chayale to start teaching them a class on "kosher kitchen."
Purim was extra hard for this very reason. We decided that for the first time in several years, we want Purim to be done the entire community together. Yefims group (which today is about 10% of the community) did everything they could to stop it, but Boruch Hashem it worked out.
After several small incidents, I got the feeling that Yefim feels threatened (I was asked where I got my list of Jews, from Natasha?), and decided to call a meeting.
I spoke to my Mashpia about the situation and he thought it was a good idea. First of all, we wanted to explain why we go to the Sachnut bichlal (because we are here for every Jew), and to let them know our goals and explain that we are not a threat, rather it'll be better for everyone. Also, we wanted to work out Pesach.
I'd also spoken to Eli krivchevski (president-Rabbi relations guy in Moscow), who correctly told me that Boruch Hashem we are in a good scenario. Only 10% of the community backs our Rosh Hakahal, who himself is a nice guy.
Anyway, we prepared two days for the meeting, working it out that it should be easiest for everyone to swallow, and we were sure they wouldn't have a problem, since they want to work together (or so it seems).
How wrong we were. At the meeting, while Yefim and Rosa listened, Yanna was downright rude, telling us to return to Canada... So we finally asked if they think we can work together, explaining that our standards are run by Hashem, and if we are going to raise and bring in 10,000 dollars for Pesach (compared to the 1000 they can raise, and that includes the Sachnut plus fundraising), then it should be done kosher, and after Shabbos.
Amidst Yanna's derogatory comments, Yefim and Rosa couldn't answer. So we left, assuming that this is how it is:
Before we came, they wanted a Rabbi who can bring more money to the community, and take it further. Yefim was probably excited about the Yiddishkeit aspect, but he is a weak character and answers to a board, of which Yanna is a loud voice (incidentally I am head of this board).
But once we arrived they felt threatened somehow, and instead of taking us to meet people, organizing classes etc. they just had demands.
Result: now while we will continue to "work" with them, we are shluchim, who represent Yiddishkeit, 90% of the community is excited that we are here, and since we are raising the money, we will do things our way. We would love to work together weith them, but cannot if they don't respect our ways and understand why we are here.
People have asked what it's like, working in Russia as a Shliach. This is the downside - the political stuff. Of course I think that's the downside everywhere in the world. But it's especially tough when you have no one nearby you can speak to.
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